Then Paul went down on his knees, all of them kneeling with him, and prayed. And then a river of tears. Much clinging to Paul, not wanting to let him go. They knew they would never see him again—he had told them quite plainly. The pain cut deep. Then, bravely, they walked him down to the ship.
(Acts 20:36-38 MSG)
A few years ago, one of my supervisors was being transferred somewhere else, so the social committee organized a farewell party for her. Unfortunately, this person left such a bad impression that not many people had anything positive to say about her, or anything to say at all. Some people just make it easy for you not to miss them, while others make it really hard.
The apostle Paul made such a good impression on the churches he ministered to that they didn’t want to let him go. This is the story behind today’s passage. Paul was leaving Ephesus and heading to Jerusalem where he could expect to die. I love the way The Message Bible depicts his departure, “Then Paul went down on his knees, all of them kneeling with him, and prayed. And then a river of tears. Much clinging to Paul, not wanting to let him go. They knew they would never see him again—he had told them quite plainly. The pain cut deep. Then, bravely, they walked him down to the ship” (Acts 20:36-38). Now that’s a great farewell party.
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
(Proverbs 22:1 NIV)
Rising with the Son 